Isles Buy Out Yashin
June 6th, 2007 by murph
Oh. My. Goodness. Is it true? It’s on NewYorkIslanders.com so it’s either true, or a really bad joke by the Isles webmaster.
The Yashin-era is OVER. Is this the beginning of the Smyth-era?
More on this later, I literally just got to the office and started drinking the morning coffee when I read this.
The New York Islanders will buyout the remaining four seasons of Alexei Yashin’s contract. This ends the Islanders six year relationship with Yashin, who in 346 games with the Islanders scored 119 goals and recorded 171 assists for 290 points.
“This decision was one of the hardest I have ever had to make” said Islanders owner Charles Wang. “The organization holds Alexei in the highest regard – as a player, as a teammate and as a person. He was part of the revival of the franchise at a time when we had not qualified for the playoffs for eight seasons. All of us at the Islanders wish Alexei nothing but the best as he continues his career.”
Added Alexei Yashin: “The Islanders have treated me with the utmost respect. I’ve always believed in the vision Charles Wang has for the organization and although I won’t be a part of it, I believe that the team is headed in the right direction. I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”
His best season with the team came in 2001-02 when he scored 32 goals and 43 assists for 75 points in 78 games. Last season, Yashin missed 24 games with a knee injury. He recorded 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points in 58 games.
“From my time knowing Alexei as a teammate and as a general manager, I have learned that Alexei is nothing but a first-class individual,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “With him on the team, the Islanders made the playoffs four out of last five seasons and I believe that we would not have been able to do that without him. And we thank him for his contributions.”
Added Islanders Head Coach Ted Nolan: “Alexei has always been a professional on and off the ice and this was not something that was easily decided. I believe this is in the best interests of the team and player in mind. Alexei will have an opportunity to pursue a fresh start and we’ll look at options to fill his position.”
[Update] It appears Newsday.com broke this story late last night and in this morning’s paper.
Facing a potential mutiny from Islanders fans, owner Charles Wang bit the bullet and made the decision yesterday to buy out the remaining four years of captain Alexei Yashin’s 10-year contract, Newsday has learned exclusively. Some might view it as the owner admitting a costly mistake, but second-year coach Ted Nolan described it as a chance for a “new beginning” that might restore the fans’ faith in the franchise.
The last four seasons of the $87.5-million contract Yashin signed after the Islanders traded for him in 2001 were valued at $26.45 million. Under the NHL collective-bargaining agreement, Wang is permitted to pay two-thirds of that amount ($17.63 million) over the next eight years to buy it out. The salary-cap hit will be approximately $2.2 million per season over that time.
fauxrumors Says
1) Isles fans should be proud of themselves. THEY made this move happen. As we mentioned on our blog early this morning, this does NOT happen if folks were not calling in and threatening to not renew their tix.
2) We were told there is no direct correlation of this move and any Blake/Smyth signing, though it can’t hurt with an increase of 5 million in cap space.
3) The fans screamed and Wang (finally) listened. Great job guys!
Jun 6th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Patrick Says
I have to say I’m very happy that Yashin is gone. The guy just brought us down. I’ve been wanting to get rid of him for a long time.
Smyth is a whole other problem. The guy doesn’t want to play here. His heart is in Canada. I don’t think we should keep him.
Jun 6th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
felix Says
I disagree with the smyth comment. 1. there was talk about not buying out yashin and that changed. 2. I dont think this was done without some type of commitment from smyth. Taking smyth out of the equation, isles do not have blake or yashin. That is taking out 60 goals and 110 points. Leaving a team with sillinger, hunter and satan as the biggest offensive threats. There is no guarantee that any other UFAs will sign here. What would be the incentive for a drury or gomez or even hartnell when you sell sillinger as the #1 center. There is none. In the event that no UFA is signed we have a team with as much offensive potential as a high school team. I think they are smarter than that.
Also, I think that Smyth met with the team did not demand or give an ultimatium that yashin be bought out but signaled that he would not sign if he were part of the team.
To reiterate, no yashin, no blake, no smyth no selling power to other UFA. I think this was a calculated move with a deal in place with smyth that wont be announced for a day or two for political and class reasons.
Jun 6th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Patrick Says
If we can’t get anyone to replace Smyth then of course we have to keep him. I’m just saying his heart isn’t in Long Island and he probably won’t play as strong. I think he will be like Yashin and not produce.
Jun 6th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
felix Says
These guys are professionals and I severly doubt we would have a muller situation. Smyth played the playoffs with a broken foot or some type of foot injury during a contract year. Would hhe do that if he did not play with all of his heart? Also just to see him on every shift get to the loose pucks. I doubt his heart would be a problem. If he signed here he wants to be here, if he does not. Smyth does not strike me as the free agent who will go where the money is. If he waits until july 1, he will have offers from almost every team and in the price range of 5-7 million. If he signs he before july 1 he wants to be here.
Jun 6th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Patrick Says
If you say so. I think he played that way to interest other teams. But, like you said, if he signs here he is content with staying. But if no one is interested in him he might as well sign here. The guy cried at the airport and then said he’d bring the cup with him “back to where his heart is.” The guy has issues with playing in New York.
Jun 6th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Kronis Says
The “Smyth doesn’t want to play in NY, heart is in Canada” idea is overstated. He will not play in an Oilers jersey ever again folks. Ever. It’s done. I figure that Yashin had to go for Smyth to stay, he will entertain offers, but ultimately Wang and co. aren’t going to let Smyth sign elsewhere. He’ll be in Islanders blue next year.
Jun 9th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Patrick Says
But the question is, does he WANT to play in Islanders blue? He might learn to like it but he won’t love it like he did.
He should love it because the Islanders are the best team in Hockey, in my opinion.
Jun 9th, 2007 at 8:44 am
vko Says
Smyth?Where he is?Bugogogogogogogggggooooo
Jul 26th, 2007 at 8:11 am